GSC Game World has announced a new launch date for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, now set for release on November 20, 2024, a delay from the originally planned date of September 5, 2024.
Players who waited for years found the news heartbreaking, yet they are still eagerly anticipating its new release.
In lieu of this announcement, GSC Game World released a 35-minute deep dive about S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2’s core systems.
The video provides the most comprehensive update on the game to date, offering in-depth interviews and behind-the-scenes insights into the development process.
It also features new gameplay and cutscene footage, showcasing various locations and the game’s world overview, along with a full video walkthrough of one of the story quests. This deep dive aims to give fans a clearer understanding of what to expect from S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, with more details to be shared in the coming weeks.
Game Director Yevhen Grygorovych expressed appreciation for fans' patience, acknowledging the extended wait. He explained that the additional two months will allow the team to create a more polished final product. Grygorovych emphasized the team's eagerness to finally release the game and allow players to experience it.
The delay comes amidst a challenging backdrop. GSC Game World continues to operate in Ukraine amid ongoing conflict. The company has been vocal in its support for Ukraine and encourages those who wish to contribute to follow a link to the official charity fund of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is the latest entry of the cult-favorite S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series. It blends immersive simulation and first-person shooter with horror elements in world set in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. Other entries in the series, like S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl and S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat, are as some of the biggest games to come out on PC and Microsoft consoles.